Our Staff | Bendrigg Trust

Our people

Our staff, trustees and volunteers – We’re all part of one big family, the Bendrigg Family!

At Bendrigg, we have the setting and the scenery, the equipment and the expertise, the people and the passion. Together we have a limitless supply of adventure. With a limitless determination to improve people’s lives. Because we know that, whatever adventure means to each individual, it has the power to empower. To challenge and inspire, to tear down barriers and build up possibilities, to create real and lasting change. Above all, it has the power to change minds – within those individuals and across our whole society: changing the way people see their world, and changing the way the world sees them. At Bendrigg we create change, one adventure at a time.

Dedicated

Enthusiastic

Qualified

Senior leadership team

Since I first came to Bendrigg as a volunteer in 1995, I've been struck by the power of adventure. I passionately believe that everyone should get the opportunity to access activities in the outdoors and to be able to fulfill their potential.

Nick Liley

Centre Director

Although I work behind the scenes at Bendrigg I get to see visitors enjoying themselves on the Zip wire and enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. An amazing place in every sense.

Gill Smith

Finance and HR Manager

I love having the opportunity to help other organisations become more accessible and inclusive through our training and consultancy - sharing the Bendrigg magic and the power of adventure!

Sara Murray

Training, Research and Consultancy

Whilst you may not see me unless you pop into the office, I love working behind the scenes to ensure everyone knows how wonderful the 'Bendrigg experience' is.

Sarah Garman

Head of Income and Engagement

This person is busy adventuring. An interesting snippet will appear here soon.

Dave Garman

Facilities Manager

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Sam Litten

Activities Manager

Activities team

A day at work for me involves facilitating play, awe, and wonder.

Steve

Senior Tutor

Being outside makes me happy inside. I believe the outdoors should be accessible to everyone and at Bendrigg we work hard to make this a reality.

Liz

Senior Tutor

Bendrigg feels safe to me. Both physically and emotionally. It is the welcome to all to communicate their needs and build confidence and autonomy through adventure.

Holly

Tutor

Totally love being around inspirational people, and feel ridiculously privileged to share so many brilliant experiences. Also, where else could I bore everyone with my stories!

Rex

Tutor

This person is busy adventuring. An interesting snippet will appear here soon.

Lee

Tutor

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Simon

Tutor

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Mel

Tutor

I love working at Bendrigg, working with an amazing team and giving wonderful opportunities for our visitors.

Claire

Tutor

Bendrigg is my happy place. I absolutely love the opportunities we give to people to explore their limits and develop their independence.

Josh

Tutor

This person is busy adventuring. An interesting snippet will appear here soon.

Amy

Tutor

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Carl

Tutor

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Sarah

Tutor

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Jenny

Tutor

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James H

Associate Tutor

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Chris B

Associate Tutor

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Jon

Associate Tutor

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James D

Associate Tutor

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Jake

Associate Tutor

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Kathryn

Associate Tutor

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Jack

Associate Tutor

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Chris R

Associate Tutor

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Clare

Associate Tutor

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Stuart

Associate Tutor

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James M

Associate Tutor

Income and engagement team

Bendrigg really is a magical place! I love being part of the team helping people open the door to new adventures, however they're involved. It's exciting to see how everyone can make a difference here.

Clare

Fundraising Manager

Bendrigg is a place full of fabulous colleagues, volunteers and visitors. Plus, the cake made by our cooks is top notch!!

Lizzie

Trusts and Foundations Fundraiser

I first came to Bendrigg as a volunteer with Phab about 20 years ago and it's always held a special place in my heart. I'm incredibly grateful I now have the chance to work here with such a friendly and caring team of people.

Sarah

Trusts and Foundations Fundraiser

You may not see me much on site, I am out and about doing my very best for this amazing charity. The impact of a visit to Bendrigg can last a lifetime, it is a wonderful place.

Louise

Community Fundraiser

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Vic

Supporter Engagement Co-ordinator

Hi my name is Paula and I love dinosaurs, particularly the sauropods because they are friendly giants. I also like bright coloured clothes.

Paula

Bookings Lead

Bendrigg is my version of Utopia. A joyful place full of happy, smiley faces where everyone is valued. Proud to be part of such a kind and compassionate team.

Beth

Booking Co-ordinator

I love everything about Bendrigg. It's such a special place to work. Having started on the tutorial team in 2011, I now work as part of the lovely office team planning the activity programmes.

Liz

Activities Co-ordinator

I joined the Bendrigg family in 1995 since then it's been a big part of my life. I love that difference is normal and at Bendrigg we can all just be.

Kate

Volunteer Co-ordinator & Disability Advisor

I run a unique and powerful volunteer scheme to support people in prison, on probation or at risk of offending.

Jorj

Volunteer Co-ordinator - Bendrigg Alternative Lead

Bendrigg gives me a place to work where I have a real sense of purpose and feel like I belong.

Emma

Marketing and Communications

Facilities team

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Libby

Head Cook

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Val

Cook

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Kate

Cook

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Megan

Cook

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Carolyn

Cook

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Ed

Site Supervisor

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Carl

Domestic Assistant

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Jordan

Domestic Assistant

Trustees

Now retired, I had a career in IT requiring a broad spectrum of skills in key business areas such as: budget and people management, governance, stakeholder engagement, communications, and strategic thinking. I enjoy many outdoor activities and have volunteered at Bendrigg for over ten years including assisting the tutorial team deliver activities for our clients.

Adrian

Trustee

I have worked in the residential outdoor learning sector since 1992; and since 2003 as the Director of Finance & Resources at The Outward Bound Trust. I am also a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants. I am a passionate advocate for the power of outdoor learning experiences for all.

Kim

Trustee

My background is in education: I taught History and Politics and Government at St Annes School Windermere, where I also held Senior Leadership roles. I have held several Deputy Headships and Headships including four years as Head of Secondary at the British School Jakarta. Since retiring I continue to promote my personal interests in outdoor activities, especially fell walking and skiing.

Rachael

Trustee

I have spent the last 25 years working in fundraising roles in the charity sector, mostly with international NGOs including, CAFOD and ActionAid in London and SCIAF in Glasgow. I have also advised charities in major donor fundraising as an independent consultant. I am now a hill walker living in the South Lakes in Cumbria.

Jeremy

Trustee

I started my career in HR and later moved into general management, managing departments of up to 5000 people and annual operating budgets of up to £200m. I subsequently ran my own consulting business, focussing primarily on change management and on helping senior teams to improve their people management skills. Now I work regularly as an office volunteer for Bendrigg.

Kay

Trustee

I am a solicitor with 40 years’ experience of property transactions and am also a Trustee of a charitable organisation which donates to charitable causes throughout the world. I am pleased to be able to assist Bendrigg with all matters legal, and in particular, issues relating to the freehold assets of Bendrigg.

Peter

Trustee

My connection to Bendrigg goes back to the very beginning. I have pursued a career in both the public and private sectors and have over forty years’ experience as a trustee of several charities. Outside work, I like to focus on outdoor adventures (I hold formal qualifications in outdoor leadership and safety). My particular interest is social inclusion.

Tim

Trustee

As a Quantity Surveyor I became Managing Director of a major construction company involved with building Hospitals, Churches & Social Housing. I've been a Trustee since 2011 with 6 years as Chairman. Since 1999, I've been involved with community & charitable trusts, and for 13 years a District Councillor. I was awarded a MBE for Services to the Community of Cumbria in 2019.

John

Trustee

I am the director of my own accountancy practice committed to inclusivity, sustainability, charitable work and growth. I have over 30 years’ experience in the retail and hospitality sectors and specialise in internal audits, credit control and business growth mentoring. I spend much of my time on charitable initiatives and am an advocate for LGBTQ+ and disability rights.

Kirsty

Trustee

I worked in secondary and further education in the West Midlands for over thirty years with my final role as deputy principal of a large city centre college. I have a lifelong passion for the mountains and remain a committed mountaineer, climber, walker and cyclist.

Brian

Trustee

I've supported those with disabilities on outdoor camps since I was a teenager. I have a degree in Chemical engineering, an MA in Computer Management Information Systems and a P.G.C.E., which led to a career in water treatment, process control, IT & physics teaching, and with a software company. I became a Trustee in 2016 involved in IT provision and carbon footprinting.

Anne

Trustee

I am a qualified chartered accountant and have been active in various roles for Bendrigg since 1990. I have been both Treasurer and Trustee from 2007 until May 2017. I now continue my role as Trustee and internal auditor.